the judge said nothing in federal law distinguishes pension debt from other debt. the unions have challenged the bankruptcy under a number of different grounds, one of them that there's a provision in the michigan constitution that prevents impairment of pension obligations, but the judge says that there's no difference under federal bankruptcy law between pension debt and any other debt. he also has said that chapter 9 of the bankruptcy code, which the unions had challenged outright is constitution an under the federal constitution. the one issue that seems to be remaining, did the city and the state-appointed emergency manager negotiate in good faith with the unions before the july 18th bankruptcy filing. he has yet to rule on that. that, though, could be the final nail in the coffin for the unions, who are trying to prevent this. but regardless, judge rhodes has pretty much acknowledged that whatever he rules is bound to be appealed. >> with the pension of the 23,000 retirees at stake. >> while analysts try to predict whether the years will be hot or cold for in